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Applying a tool or idea to generate a result is the concept of technology. Although today’s technology often refers to electronics, applying basic science to everyday problems occurred as far back as the Stone Age. There are literally dozens of important milestones in rising technology, but some of the most recent inventions have made the most impact.
The Wheel

As evolution slowly developed human beings, they began basic engineering projects just to survive. They required an item to help them move themselves and objects around. The invention of the wheel provided people with an instant transport option. This era even brought about more intricate hand tools to both complement and fix this tech advancement. Using logic, humans found a simple way to haul items, creating one of the first forms of technology. Without the wheel, many buildings couldn’t be built and spreading populations may have never taken place. The wheel was one of the major milestones because of its simplicity and application in the everyday world.

Assembly Lines

The age of the combustible engine began in the late 1800s and into the 1900s. With Henry Ford’s tech marvel, called the Model T, almost anyone could take to the road and travel. Engineering the car wasn’t a simple undertaking and constructing them took time. With more people demanding vehicles, Henry Ford created an evolution all his own with the assembly line. One person or group constructed a piece of the car and passed it on to another group. By piecing out the work, the cars were formed faster than ever. The assembly line began an art form, heralding in the age of mass production that continues today.

Computers

Computers have been around for several decades, but were only common in business or government facilities. In fact, the first computers took up entire rooms with barely any computing power. They were mainly used to log data for science or government needs, making them impractical for the everyday person. However, the 1980s and 1990s saw a stark change in technology size. Computers invaded homes with ample computing power to log personal spreadsheets or just to play games. The computer era erupted into an even larger entity with microchip logic controllers growing smaller and more powerful. Computing that took up a whole room could now fit in your palm.
The Internet

With computers becoming standards in homes, the Internet became the next big milestone. Essentially, the Internet is a set of computers linked across the world for anyone to access. From art history to researching the Stone Age, the Internet is one of the most critical communication and information devices in human history. People are able to learn about true historical accounts or order a new pair of sneakers. This technology continues to evolve today.
Solar Power

Oil derived from fossil fuels has been used for ages, but environmental concerns had been brewing for years. A major milestone in technology use is solar power. Using fixed panels on roofs, for example, everyday homeowners harness their own sunlight energy to create electricity. Solar applications are countless, giving rise to other sustainable fuel sources, such as wind power. By using renewable resources, society and technology can continue to evolve.

GPS

Global Positioning Systems were originally constructed for government and war application use. As technology grew smaller and faster, manufacturers saw a niche in the consumer market. GPS has become a standard item in cars and phones, for example. Hikers bring their GPS unit on adventures to keep real-time information about location and elevation. This milestone gives people a fast and accurate way to find a location, obsoleting paper maps in the process.
The Search Engine

As the Internet grew in size, people discovered that finding information was difficult. Savvy computer scientists came up with the search engine. Using keywords and phrases, all Web pages were categorized and listed for the user as they typed in a search word. This milestone heralded in the era of strategic website text, called SEO Search Engine Optimization, as businesses competed for exposure. Marketing and advertising would never be the same.

Handheld Devices

Smartphones and tablets were not even considered in the late 1990s, but today’s milestone has changed how people communicate on a daily basis. Handheld devices hold the Internet in the palm of your hand. Information about any subject is always a tap away. question to ask Instead of starting a conversation while waiting in a line, people are accessing apps, games and websites to pass the time.
Social Media

The current milestone affecting society today is social media. From Twitter to Facebook, these socializing entities are more powerful than traditional war or wind power. People talk, comment, question and even advertise through social media outlets. They are important for both personal and business use, fusing the two realms that used to be entirely separate. With the ease of apps on a smartphone or tablet, social media travels with you at all times.

Society’s milestones vary from simple inventions to life-altering technology. Evolution will continue to improve life while hopefully preserving the surrounding world.

Summary:

Major milestones in the rise of technology go back to prehistoric times when people first formed the wheel. As society has grown and spread, technologies to connect people abound, from the Internet to handheld devices. Inventions continue to improve everyday life, typically building on a previous idea. As milestones keep occurring, people will find new ways to live and thrive with sustainable resources.